November 25, 2013

If part of your holiday plan involves hitting the shopping mall or your local Wal-Mart, I thought it was the perfect time to remind you of what makes Region 8 so special. I realize Wal-Mart gets a bad rap from time to time and no doubt you will probably hear stories from other parts of the country about Wal-Mart shoppers getting into scuffles over sales items. But here in Region 8, I'm thankful to say, the folks at our Wal-Mart still remember what it's like to be part of such a wonderful community. Recently, Jessie Wilson died. While you may not know his name, there's a good chance you knew Wilson. He was a greeter at the Wal-Mart on Highland Drive in Jonesboro and he worked there for 21 years. He was 95 years old when he died. The folks at the Highland Wal-Mart set up a memorial to Wilson right inside the door near the spot Wilson stood or sat to greet everyone who walked through that door. So when you get frustrated because you can't find a parking place or the item you were hoping for is sold out -- take a moment and remember Jessie Wilson. Hopefully, he will bring a smile to your face and remind you to pay it forward. It's people like Jessie Wilson who make this A Better Region 8.

A portion of Stadium Boulevard in Jonesboro has been renamed Red Wolf Boulevard
Talk about a hot topic.
This proposed change was debated from Tailgate City to City Hall.
It did pass, but not without some feelings getting hurt.
If you follow A Better Region 8, you know I supported this change and I'm glad to see that it passed.
But I certainly understand the perspective of others who did not share my view.
I do understand the change affects the thousands of people who drive down that road and do business there.
Jonesboro owes much of its success to ASU.
Now that it's a done deal, how about we all put this behind us and get back to the business of supporting our Red Wolves.
Let's take all that passion and put it into cheering on the Red Wolves on the fields or court.
Supporting ASU and the Red Wolves makes Jonesboro better and A Better Region 8.

November 18, 2013

At Region 8 News, our journalists report on stories that you need to know and stories you want to know.
At times, the stories you need to know aren't necessarily ones you want to hear.
Such was the case with Amanda Hanson's Special Report called Face of Suicide.
Amanda shared the story of Mary Robertson who has lost 3 family members to suicide.
I want to thank Mary Robertson for her courage and for sharing her story with Region 8.
If Amanda's story reached one person and made them stop and seek help or if the story offered solace to one person who has lost a loved one to suicide, then this story was one that needed to be told.
Again, I echo the words of Amanda and Mary, if you know someone in trouble or you yourself are having thoughts of suicide, get help.
Call the Arkansas Crisis Hotline at 888-274-7472.
Bringing attention to the growing problem of suicide makes this A Better Region 8.

I was recently reminded of how successful government can be when it is run like a successful business.
The keys to success in business can work equally as well in government, but often the work of government is approached by people who have very little experience operating a successful business.
I've seen this first hand.
I recall one community where I lived -- the Mayor was a politician with little business experience and got very little done. When he would come up against red tape, he would often give up.
Then the voters elected a Mayor who had run a successful business. That city saw more growth during the second Mayor's term because he approached the government work like a business.
This is a good reminder for all of us.
When we go to the polls, we need to dig into the background of our candidates and see if they have the chops to approach government like a successful business.
Remember, the government doesn't have any money. It's our money -- the taxpayers and we must demand our public servants take care of that money better than they would their own money.
Electing public servants with business experience will make this A Better Region 8.

Hello, I'm Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin and I would like to share some exciting news with you.
I want to invite you to an Open House, celebrating the opening of YOUR new Municipal Center and City Hall this Sunday, November 17th from 2 until 5.
This 68 thousand square foot facility has put YOUR city in a position to handle growth and expansion for the next two decades without having to worry about space.
This building is the people's house and I am fortunate to get to mange it for just a bit.
Come see it and tour it and see what a great selling showplace this will be for our city.
Sunday, November 17th from 2 until 5.
Again the Open House at YOUR new Municipal Center at 300 South Church in Downtown Jonesboro.
Join me for the celebration as we work together to make this A Better Region 8.

November 11, 2013

I will work for food.
This week, the Region 8 News Team will be working for your food and donations.
We need your help to Fill the Foodbank this Wednesday, November 13th from 6 in the morning until 630 at night.
Just swing by Kroger on Caraway and drop off your food or monetary donations to help the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank Fill the Food Bank.
It's going to be freezing outside, but we aren't going to let that stop us from collecting donations for our neighbors who need a helping hand to put food on the table.
You won't even have to get out of your car. Stay warm, drop by and we will come right to you to collect your donation.
We all need to do our part to Fill the Foodbank.
Your donations will Make This A Better Region 8.

Growing up I lived next to a family who had a daughter with Down Syndrome.
I worried about her like I would have my own sister.
But I never realized if you have down syndrome you may be prone to wander and that can be a life threatening situation.
From time to time, you will hear on Region 8 News that a person with a disorder like Alzheimer's disease, Autism or Down Syndrome has wandered off and can't be located.
One Region 8 group is doing something about that.
The Elks Lodge 498 was recently awarded a 2014 Impact Grant from the Elks National Foundation.
The lodge will receive 9 thousand dollars for its Project Lifesaver.
The Elks partner with police in an electronic wristband program for those who may wander and be unable to find their way home.
The elks visit with program participants each month to replace wristbands, answer questions and provide support to the participants and their families.
Thank you to the members of Elks Lodge 498 -- the work you are doing is making this a better and safer Region 8.

November 06, 2013

I have an issue with politicians who seem to have a sense of entitlement and don't see anything wrong with using taxpayer money for unnecessary reasons.
From my perspective such is the case with Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr.
Darr has been using state police at times to drive him between his home in Springdale and sites around the state so he can talk on his cellphone.
He says he's doing it so he doesn't endanger himself or others.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Darr has been chauffeured at least 4 times on long distance trips at tax payer expense since August.
Really? I would like to get that service as well.
I think we all would. I don't care what party a public service represents - you should not be using taxpayer funds for something like this.
Do what the rest of us do- wait until you get where you're going or use a hands-free device.
We expect public servants to treat our tax dollars better than their own. Those who do make this A Better Region 8.

History came to life this week in Region 8.
A living legend visited Arkansas State University.
Former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill made a presentation to a large audience about the time he spent protecting First Lady Jacquelin Kennedy.
Hill was right behind the presidential limo when the shots were fired that killed President John F Kennedy in Dallas.
He was the agent who climbed on to the back of the car as the shooting was happening in an effort to protect the President and Mrs. Kennedy.
I don't think there was a dry eye in the house as Hill walked the audience through the shooting and aftermath of the assasination.
Hill was recognized for his bravery even though he said he didn't deserve the recognition and felt guilty for the death of the President.
We should be proud to live in a community that has this kind of respect for history and has a thirst for knowledge that will hopefully prevent this type of tragedy in the future.
Thanks to businessman Mike Watson and Regions Bank CEO Larry Worsham for bringing Hill to Region 8.
Mr. Hill's visit to ASU made this A Better Region 8.